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Our best alternatives to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL

The Google Pixel and the Pixel XL are the first 100% Google smartphones and are available from October 20 in many countries, though a global release is not expected. Seeing as it's difficult to get your hands on one, especially if you live in a country where Google failed to launch the device, let’s discuss some alternative options. Some of you may not be aware that there are some good (actually, really good) smartphones on the market other than the Pixel phones.

The best alternatives to the Google Pixel

Nexus 5X: Pixel's little brother

Google Pixel offers a flawless Android experience; the best according to Google. If that’s what you're after, the Nexus 5X is your next best option. This latest device in the range of Nexus smartphones (alongside the 6P) is guaranteed to get the latest Android updates. Android O and security updates are therefore guaranteed for the smartphone manufactured by LG. You won’t have access to the Pixel Launcher or the latest version of Google Assistant but this is the closest smartphone to the Pixel as far as software is concerned.

Of course, the smartphone won’t win any beauty contests for its design that is starting to look a little old-fashioned. Its battery life is quite disappointing and the smartphone often overheats but from a technical point of view, it hold its own. The Nexus 5X features a 5.2 inch screen, 16 or 32 GB of memory, a Snapdragon 808 processor, 2 GB of RAM and an excellent 12.3 megapixel camera, which is among the best in the market at the minute. And finally, another advantage: it’s the least expensive alternative at a little less than $300.

Nexus 5x specs

Nexus 5X

Android version

Android 7.0 Nougat Android O update expected

Display

IPS 5.2 niches (Full-HD)

Processor

Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808

Graphics

Adreno 418

RAM

2 GB

Internal memory

16 and 32 GB

SAR

Head: 0.42 W/kg Body: 0.355 W/kg

Lowest price: Google Nexus 5X

Samsung Galaxy S7

It’s difficult to not bring up the Galaxy S7 in this discussion. “The best Android smartphone” offers everything that a smartphone can offer in 2016: an attractive design, exceptional performance, water resistance, the best camera on the market (the Pixel claims to be better) and an eye-catching QHD screen. However, its only fault in the eyes of Android fans is the TouchWiz interface.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S7 features the company’s own Exynos 8890 processor paired with 2 GB of RAM and a 12 megapixel camera. 3000 mAh ensures that the battery life lasts for more than a day even with intensive usage.

Samsung Galaxy S7 specs

Samsung Galaxy S7

Android version

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Android Nougat update expected

Display

Super AMOLED 5.1 inches (QHD)

Processor

Exynos 8890

Graphics

Mali-T880 MP12

RAM

4 GB

Internal memory

32 GB (with microSD card)

SAR

Head: 0.41 W/kg Bosy: 0.62 W/kg

Lowest price: Samsung Galaxy S7

HTC 10

Contrary to what some might think, HTC is still alive and kicking. Their latest flagship, the HTC 10, proves it. This brand also manufactured the Google Pixel. Just like the others, the smartphone offers a simple and elegant design. The device is very thin, which makes for excellent device handling. It also benefits from an interface close to Stock Android and offers stereo sound.

Regarding performance, the HTC 10 offers technical specifications that are typical for 2016 flagships with a Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM. As for the camera, you’ll find a 20 megapixel sensor with excellent image quality.

HTC 10 specs

HTC 10

Android version

Android 6.0.1 Marsmallow Android Nougat update likely

Display

AMOLED 5.2 inches (QHD)

Processor

Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820

Graphics

Adreno 530

RAM

4 GB

Internal memory

32 et 64 GB (microSD slot)

SAR

Head: 0.417 W/kg Body: 0.174 W/kg

Huawei P9

The Huawei P9 is the alternative that is the most different from the Google Pixel as its interface is more like iOS than Android and the updates are slow to arrive (if they arrive at all). This doesn’t make it any less of a good phone and for people looking for a reliable and inexpensive flagship smartphone, the Huawei P9 is an excellent alternative.

The Huawei P9’s dual camera system is its main feature. Gamers or multi-taskers have nothing to fear regarding the performance of this Chinese smartphone. Its in-house Kirin 955 processor and 4 GB of RAM are more than enough. Finally, its 3000 mAh battery ensures excellent longevity.

Huawei P9 specs

Huawei P9

Android version

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Android Nougat update likely

Display

IPS 5.2 inches (Full-HD)

Processor

HiSilicon Kirin 955

Graphics

Mali-T880 MP4

RAM

4 GB

Internal memory

32 GB

Sar

Head: 1.43 W/kg Body: 0.55 W/kg

The best alternatives to Google Pixel XL

Nexus 6P

Like the Nexus 5X, the Nexus 6P is one of the first smartphones to receive the latest Android updates. Although it is not available to buy from the Play store anymore, the smartphone can easily be found on Amazon and various shopping sites. Even a year after its release, the Nexus 6P is still one of the best Android smartphones.

Its camera abilities are as good as the Nexus 5X. The Nexus 6P’s 5.7 inch AMOLED screen and metal encased design give it an undeniably premium look. The device is larger than the Pixel XL but is just as thin. So if you’re looking for a smartphone that has a similar software interface to the Pixel XL, the Nexus 6P is your number one option.

Nexus 6P specs

Nexus 6P

Android version

Android 7.0 Nougat Android O update expected

Display

AMOLED 5.7 inches (QHD)

Processor

Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810

Graphics

Adreno 430

RAM

3 GB

Internal memory

32 and 64 GB

SAR

Head: 1.49 W/kg Body: - W/kg

Lowest price: Google Nexus 6P

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

As the Google Pixel XL is the larger version of the Google Pixel, it makes sense to recommend the larger version of the Galaxy S7, which is none other than the Galaxy S7 Edge. There are a few differences between the Edge and the original version. The screen is slightly bigger and curved in at both sides. More importantly, the battery has a higher capacity.

From a technical point of view, there are no surprises. In the absence of the Galaxy Note 7, the Galaxy S7 Edge is the most successful Samsung smartphone. Samsung has received various awards for this mobile achievement.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge specs

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Android version

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Android Nougat update expected

Display

Super AMOLED 5.5 inches (QHD)

Processor

Exynos 8890

Graphics

Mali-T880 MP12

RAM

4 GB

Internal memory

32 GB (with microSD card reader)

SAR

Head: 0.264 W/kg Body: 0.507 W/kg

Lowest price: Samsung Galaxy S7

OnePlus 3

The “flagship killer” brand, as it likes to call itself, launched their new OnePlus 3 device last June. Although this device doesn’t particularly stand out for its design, it’s a preview that shows us how much OnePlus has refined its concept. The smartphone offers a performance equal to the Google Pixel thanks to 6 GB of memory.

Regarding the camera, OnePlus' latest newcomer doesn’t need to shy away from competing with the Pixel XL. Although its 5.5 inch Optic AMOLED screen doesn’t have QHD resolution, it’s one of the best Android displays since its most recent update. Oxygen OS is also relatively close to Stock Android. Those who have a digital allergy to manufacturer user interfaces will be thrilled.

OnePlus 3 specs

OnePlus 3

Android version

Android 6.01 Marshmallow Android Nougat update expected

Ecran

Optic AMOLED 5.5 inches (Full-HD)

Processeur

Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820

Puce graphique

Adreno 530

RAM

6 GB

Mémoire interne

64 GB

DAS

Head: 0.39 W/kg Body: 0.32 W/kg

Lowest price: OnePlus 3

Huawei Mate 8

While we wait for its successor to be introduced next month, the Mate 8 could also be considered an alternative to the Google Pixel XL. However, it shouldn’t be your first choice unless battery life is the most important aspect for you. The Huawei Mate 8 is a worthy successor to the Ascend Mate 7 with a 4000 mAh battery that easily lasts for a day and a half without needing to be charged.

Among its many special features, the Mate 8 offers an attractive 6 inch screen, making it the largest device in our selection of alternative choices to the Pixel XL. The Mate 8 features a Kirin 950 processor with 3 GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel camera.

Motorola anyone? Motorola newest flagship Moto Z, Z force and even Z play are great phones, yes the Force is Verizon only, but the other phones you can get in most places, the reason alot of people loved Nexus was because of pure android and there low pricetag, now with the pixel if you want a stock experience too a low price your better bet is iPhone (I says stock now stock android)... And that is scary, futher more I whom live on Norway won't be able too get my hands on a pixel yet... And it's way too expensive for my taste. Moto Z with its Moto Mods is a better alternative then Samsung, because i still love the stock android, I have been using a Huawei for 2 months and it's killing me too see how bad somebody can make android. You aren't forces into using the mods they are just a nice touch, but on Samsung too get around a bunch of the apps you have too live with 20+ disabled apps.. I manage too live with Samsung note 3 for 2 days before I went mental on the software, even with now launcher. So too the guy below(or above I don't know where this comment will be placed) why do you say that you have too be paid too say things about Motorola? The name of the article is "our best alternative too pixel and pixel XL" but when they ignore Motorola they are ignoring the very thing alot of people loved Nexus for...

What about the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe? With a beautiful AMOLED 5.7 inch display, an 820/821 processor, 6gb RAM, a slender and elegant metal body, and a 23mp camera with OIS and EIS, I'd pick this over some of the other phones you listed. In fact, I own one and it's great!

Hi Steven, just out of curiosity, how is the OS implementation on the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe? I was considering this phone for myself, too, but bloatware and cartoonish touch could be a deal breaker... Thanks for letting me (us) know.

I don't desire either of the Google phones, they're "cloud" devices so of no interest to me. I'm pretty happy with my Motorola Moto X Style, the only thing that would improve it would be to free it of Marshmallow, which has not been a good experience. Just hope Motorola/Lenovo keep their word about Android Nougat, and send it to us sooner rather than later!

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